Bethel Needs Volunteers For New Fire Commission

BETHEL, CT — The Board of Selectman is seeking volunteers for the Fire Commission.

The new agency was created earlier this year to manage the oversight of the town's two volunteer fire companies.

Responsibilities include long-term planning with regard to major equipment purchases, planning for facility needs or upgrades, operational coordination between the independent volunteer departments and planning and review of operational budgets.

The Board of Selectmen expect to begin making appointments to the Fire Commission in May, with the first meeting of the commission no later than the first week of June, according to a notification on the town website.

Residents interested in serving on the new Fire Commission should write or email their request to the Board of Selectmen no later than 4:30 p.m. on Apr. 26. Applicants must be Bethel residents and registered electors in order to serve. Requests should include the applicant's full name; address and contact information, including email address; political party affiliation, if applicable; and pertinent background or experience (previous experience is not required, but may be helpful in making selections).

Party affiliation is not a factor in determining a person’s fitness to serve on this commission, but is required to allow the town to comply with the state’s Minority Party Representation Law, which prohibits any party from holding more than a two-thirds majority on any local or state board or commission. Applicants may list "unaffiliated" if they have not registered with any political party.